Cowboy for Keeps by Cathy McDavid Read Free Book Online Page B

the corners. “Looks a little
rocky.”
    “I can fix that.” Conner stepped around her, gripped the edge
of the wagon seat and pushed up. It immediately came loose.
    Dallas gasped. “You mean to tell me that thing’s not nailed
down? What if it had come off during the ride?”
    Conner removed the seat and set it on the ground. “We’d have
had to be going over a pretty big bump at a full gallop for that to happen.”
    She didn’t look reassured.
    “Come on.” He carried the wagon seat to the spot he’d chosen
and set it down, making sure it was stable. “Ladies first,” he said, gesturing
grandly.
    Playing along, she gave a little curtsy before sitting. “Thank
you, sir.”
    He joined her, the seat bouncing on its spindly legs.
    The location was a good one. It allowed them an unobstructed
view of the trail, the wagon, the horses and the city.
    “What are the chances someone will come riding by?” Dallas
asked.
    “Not much. This isn’t the most popular route.”
    “I should get my camera.” Dallas’s gaze wandered. “Could be
worse. At least the scenery’s beautiful.”
    Conner studied her profile. “It sure is.”
    “I know that’s South Mountain, and over there’s Camelback.” She
pointed to a craggy range in the far distance. “Which mountains are those?”
    “The White Tanks,” he answered, without taking his eyes off her
face.
    “Incredible,” she breathed. “We can see the entire valley from
here.”
    She must have become aware of his scrutiny because she turned
to face him. “Do you even know where I was pointing?”
    “Yes.”
    Laughter bubbled out of her, lively and enchanting.
    If not for his mouth having gone completely dry, he’d have
joined her.
    Was she the least bit aware of her effect on him?
    “I had dinner at my parents’ last night.”
    She was distracting him with small talk.
    “How are they?”
    “Good.
    “I bet your mom’s happy about the baby.”
    “Are you kidding? She’s ecstatic. Already making plans. Has a
furniture maker friend building a cradle and an artist friend designing a mural
for the nursery wall. She said to tell you hello, by the way.”
    “Give her my regards.” The wagon seat creaked in protest as
Conner shifted. There wasn’t much room, and their thighs inadvertently brushed,
then their elbows.
    Dallas didn’t seem to mind. Conner sure didn’t.
    “Hank mentioned he may have some clients who are hiring. He’s
going to make some calls tomorrow.”
    Conner’s defenses rose. He hated the idea of Dallas and her
family discussing his lack of employment. “I don’t want to impose on him.”
    “It’s no trouble.”
    Conner didn’t need help. Not from Dallas or her family. He was
more than capable of finding a job on his own. “Since when did I become dinner
conversation?”
    “I was telling them about our trip today, and they asked how
you were.”
    “I see.” He leaned forward and struck a closed fist on his
knee.
    Dallas must have realized all was not well. “Did I do something
wrong?” She placed a hand on his arm.
    Her tenderness and compassion could be his undoing if he let
it.
    “I’m not one to take handouts from people.” He had enough
trouble with Gavin and Clay. At least he could repay their generosity with hard
work.
    “Hank calling some of his clients isn’t a handout. He’s being
nice.”
    She was right. Conner was letting that damnable pride of his
get in the way. Instead, he should be exploring every opportunity regardless of
the source.
    “Thanks.” He covered her hand, which still rested on his arm.
“I like that you’re thinking of me.”
    “It’s only fair, after all the help you’re giving me.”
    “You really think the book can boost your career?”
    “I hope so.” A wistfulness came over her. “Someday, my photos
are going to be hanging right there alongside Dorothea Lange’s.”
    “Who’s that?”
    Dallas gawked at him in disbelief. “Only the most influential
documentary photographer of